Gators looking strong midway thru conference schedule

October 19th, 2005

Coming into the 2005 season, any questions about this team were centered on how do you replace two All-American middle blockers and still be successful come December? As the fourth-ranked Gators reach the halfway point in their conference schedule, there can be no doubt that opponents have seen Florida "reload" with the addition of Kisya Killingsworth back into her natural position. Coming off a career match against the Gamecocks in kills and points, Kisya simply continued her offensive dominance with double-digit performances against the Bulldogs and the Wildcats. Leading the Florida starters in blocks (1.38 / game) and hitting efficiency (.439), Kisya has quickly become a familiar name in opponent's scouting reports. In recognition for her efforts, the sophomore earned her first ever SEC Offensive Player of the Week honor earlier this month.

Another show of improvement was in the passing game. Arguably an area that the Gators struggled in last year has been replaced with experience and confidence as Rachel Engel makes a statement against every team she's faced. Not one opponent in the SEC has out-dug the senior co-captain as she averages 5.49 digs per game, enough to rank her 13th nationally in digs. Currently on pace to break the SEC record in digs in a season, Rachel moved from backup setter last year to the starting libero and is only one of six Gators to ever amass 1,000 digs in her career. Her dominating presence on the backrow during the Aquafina Invitational earned her the honor of SEC Defensive Player of Week earlier this season.

Continuing from where she left off last season, Jane Collymore has done nothing short of leading her team in kills per game, total points, aces (ranked 19th nationally) and double-doubles per match. In conjunction with her fellow front-row players, this senior co-captain has been a part of 40 blocks and has assisted on the back row with 192 digs. Jane earned SEC Player of the Week after the first week of the conference schedule with her performance against both teams in Mississippi.

On most other programs in the country, Marcie Hampton would be the team's O1 and leading their team in offensive stats. For the Gators, this sophomore takes the second outside position behind Jane and continues to prove that she will be a dominating force when her elder graduates next year. Considered one of the top 5 recruits of her class nationally, Marcie has contributed with 7 double-doubles this season and consistent play throughout the year. Marcie is also considered one of the best passers on the Gator squad, as evidence by some teams doing everything they can to prevent her setting up the next offensive play.

As a defensive specialist, Rhian Davis has stepped up to the plate. Considered one of the fastest players on the team, her foot speed is quite evident as she makes play after play along the back row. Another stat this junior has been excelling in recently is in service aces. With 24 aces on the season, Rhian has added another powerful weapon to the Florida arsenal.

Of course, all the great passing, the incredible digs and the offensive swings mean nothing if the ball is not set properly. Angie McGinnis, considered the best setter in her freshman class, has only moved upward and onward with her repertoire of skills. Currently ranked 8th nationally in sets per game, Angie has spread the wealth to all of her hitters, but has also shown savvy presence in knowing when to go over on two, averaging over a kill per game. Angie also recently earned a milestone that no other Gator can claim: earning 2,000 career assists in only her second season at Florida.

Kari Klinkenborg has become the team’s starting M2 position. Second in the team in blocks per game, this sophomore is also contributing on the offensive side of the ball, averaging almost 2 kills per game. Also seeing some time as the second middle blocker is Gainesville's own Kelsey Bowers. This freshman has played in all but 2 games and is averaging a .439 hitting efficiency and has blocked 22 attempts.

Amber McCray was sidelined last year with an injury that left the Gators without an experienced right-side hitter. By all accounts, this sophomore has returned stronger, quicker and better than ever! Since the start of the SEC season, Amber has been the model of efficiency with 7 conference matches hitting over .400 per match, including back-to-back stellar performances of .700 against Mississippi and .636 against Kentucky.

Brought in for different serving style, freshman Christina Davis is seeing playing time while junior Stefanie Douglas continues to show why her size is brought to the middle. By now everyone should know that our last player, freshman Christina Johnson will forgo her first season and redshirt. Coach Wise has high plans for this talented freshman - just think back to every other 5th-year middle blocker that has played at that position... does All-Americans come to mind??

Not surprisingly, the coaching staff have brought together a solid team - what may be surprising is the fact that the Gators have only one loss this season and yet 75% of our point production are coming from our underclassmen. If these younger players continue to play as they have been, continue to grow and make adjustments during the second half of the season, there is no reason Florida can not make an awesome run during December and be a legitimate contender for one of those four spots to San Antonio.

GO GATORS!!